Why a Cat’s Ears Are Red

1 Why a Cat’s Ears Are Red

1) Fever from illness. A sick cat’s temperature rises and ears redden; fever is most likely. Take its temperature – over 39.2 C means fever. Cool it with alcohol or cool water on the ears, paw pads, and belly; if the fever returns, see a vet.

2) Ear mites. If the cat also scratches its ears and smells sour near you, it has ear mites. Isolate it to protect others, treat with a mite-specific drop, and use a cone if it keeps scratching; add systemic antibiotics if bacteria follow.

3) High temperature. In hot weather ears redden because cats sweat poorly and cool through paw pads and ears. Just move the cat to a cool or air-conditioned spot; it recovers on its own.